Edward Thomas "Eddie" Wise

Edward Thomas Wise, of Knightdale, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025 after a courageous battle against cancer, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on September 25, 1937, in Belle Haven, Virginia, Edward's life was marked by dedication to his family, his faith, and his community.
Early Life and Education
Edward completed his formative years at Belle Haven and New Boston Elementary Schools. He proudly graduated from Mary Nottingham Smith High School with the class of 1954, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. Edward's academic journey continued at Boston University and Northeastern University, where he studied Business Management.
Relationship
He married his high school sweetheart Sereta, a union which resulted in four beautiful children, Antoinette, Sonjia, Edward, and Zenobia. He later found lifelong happiness with the love of his life, Betty and was like a dad to her daughter, Yvette.
Military Service
Edward's patriotism and commitment were evident in his honorable service in the United States Army. He served with exemplary valor, courage, and personal sacrifice, embodying the highest ideals of duty, loyalty, and integrity. His military career was marked by distinction. He was discharged with honors, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service.
Career
For three decades, Edward dedicated his professional life to AT&T, where he was highly esteemed for his ethics, integrity, hard work, and professionalism, he earned the deep respect and admiration of friends and colleagues alike, leaving an indelible mark through his commitment to excellence.
Civic and Community Involvement
An engaged and passionate member of his community, Edward believed deeply in civic responsibility. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP. His contributions to the I Neighborhood Development Association underscored his dedication to local improvement. Furthermore, as Chaplain for the Members of Golden Eagle, he consistently strove to uplift, support, and inspire those around him, embodying a spirit of service.
Faith and Church Service
Edward's faith was a cornerstone of his life. At Eliot Congregational Church in Roxbury, Massachusetts, he served as an Usher, Deacon, Trustee, Council Member, and sang with the Chance Choir. Upon moving to Knightdale, North Carolina, he became an active member of Davis Street Presbyterian Church USA, where he taught Sunday school, served as Deacon, Usher, Trustee, and participated in the Men's Council, further deepening his spiritual connections and community ties.
Family
Edward was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mary E. Coston Wise and Robert Wise, as well as his brothers, Robert Lee Wise and Curtis Roosevelt Wise.
He leaves behind a legacy of love in his family: his devoted lifelong partner, Betty J. Warner; daughters, Antoinette Kelley, Sonjia M. Wheaton (Theodore "Ted"), Zenobia Wise-Senior, and Yvette Steele (Frederick Spruill); son, Edward M. Wise (Patricia);grandchildren, Michael Kelley (Victoria), Brianna Kelley, Ciera Kelley, Stephen Greene, Taylor Wheaton, Theodore M. Wheaton, III, Tre' Wheaton, Alexandra Wheaton, Kylika Wise, Edward M. Wise, Kayla Wise, Kiyah Wise, Diomedes Senior, DeJan Senior, Dionell Senior, Justan Artis, and Edmond Steele, IV; great-grandchildren, Cameron Kelley, Aubrey Kelley, Leila Young, Iverson Wheaton, and Jailyn Castillo; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless cherished friends, all who were enriched by his presence.
Edward's life was a powerful testament to his unwavering faith, selfless service and boundless love. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his extraordinary legacy will continue to inspire and live on in the hearts of his family and friends.